Best Excursions from Phuket: Islands, Bays and Old Town

If you only do three excursions from Phuket, make them Phi Phi and Maya Bay, Phang Nga Bay with James Bond Island, and, in season, the Similan Islands. They are very different days: Phi Phi is about beaches and turquoise lagoons, Phang Nga about limestone cliffs and sea canoeing, and the Similans about the best snorkelling in Thailand.

Below we explain each one honestly, including the early starts, the crowds and the sea conditions, so you can pick the days that suit you.

1. Phi Phi, Maya Bay and Bamboo Island

Duration: a full day, usually by speedboat. Best for: first-time visitors, beach lovers, snorkelling.

The Phi Phi islands are the most famous sight in the Andaman Sea. A typical speedboat day stops at:

• Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh, the bay made famous by the film The Beach. Since it reopened after a long closure to let the reef recover, boats no longer land on the beach itself; visitors walk in via a pier and boardwalk at the back of the island, and swimming in the bay is not allowed. As of 2026 it also closes for about two months each year, usually August and September.
• Pileh Lagoon, an enclosed lagoon of green water between high cliffs, often the most beautiful stop of the day.
• Viking Cave and Monkey Beach, usually seen from the boat or with a short stop.
• Bamboo Island, a flat island with a wide white-sand beach and good swimming.
• Lunch on Phi Phi Don, the inhabited main island.

Our Phi Phi, Maya Bay and Bamboo Island speedboat trip from Phuket follows this classic route. The earlier the boat leaves, the fewer people you share Maya Bay with, so an early departure is worth it.

2. Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island

Duration: a long day, often by big boat. Best for: families, people who get seasick, scenery lovers.

Phang Nga Bay, north-east of Phuket, is a shallow, sheltered bay filled with dozens of limestone islands rising straight out of green water. Its most famous rock, Koh Tapu, appeared in the 1974 James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun, which is why Khao Phing Kan island is now known as James Bond Island.

The highlight for many people is not the famous rock but sea canoeing: guides paddle you through low caves into hidden lagoons, called hongs, enclosed by cliffs and mangroves. Many tours also stop at Koh Panyee, a Muslim fishing village built on stilts against a cliff.

Because the bay is sheltered, the water is usually calm, which makes this a good choice for families and for anyone worried about a bumpy ride. A large boat adds comfort, shade and space. Our James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay trip by big boat with canoeing combines the scenery with time in the canoes.

3. The Similan Islands

Duration: a very long day with an early pickup. Best for: snorkellers, strong swimmers, photographers.

The Similan Islands national park lies around 70 km off the coast north of Phuket. Granite boulders, white beaches and some of the clearest water in Thailand make it the top snorkelling trip in the region. Boats usually leave from the Khao Lak area, so the day starts with a road transfer from Phuket in the early morning.

Three important points:

• Season: the park normally opens only from mid-October to mid-May and is closed for the rest of the year.
• Visitor limits: the park restricts daily visitor numbers, so book ahead in peak season.
• The sea: the crossing is in open water and can be choppy, even in season. Take seasickness tablets if you are prone to it.

If snorkelling is high on your list, our early Similan Islands speedboat trip from Phuket is the day to plan your week around.

Which excursion should you choose?

	Phi Phi and Maya Bay	Phang Nga Bay	Similan Islands
Highlights	Lagoons, beaches, famous bay	Limestone cliffs, canoeing, stilt village	Snorkelling, clear water
Sea conditions	Moderate, open water	Usually calm and sheltered	Open sea, can be rough
Season	Best November to April	Most of the year	Mid-October to mid-May only
Good with children	Yes, older children	Yes, very	Better for confident swimmers

With a week in Phuket, two boat days are plenty for most people. Phi Phi plus Phang Nga is the classic pair. If you love snorkelling, swap one of them for the Similans. Leave at least one rest day between long boat trips.

Excursions on the island itself

Not every good day in Phuket is spent on a boat. Worth your time on land:

• Phuket Old Town: streets of colourful Sino-Portuguese shophouses, cafés, small museums and a lively Sunday walking street market.
• The Big Buddha: a large white marble statue on a hilltop with wide views over the south of the island.
• Wat Chalong: the most important Buddhist temple on Phuket.
• Promthep Cape: the classic sunset viewpoint at the southern tip.

These land sights fit into a half day and are a good plan for a day when the sea is rough.

Speedboat or big boat?

Speedboats are faster, so you spend more time at the stops and can visit more places. The ride can be bumpy, and you will get splashed. Big boats are slower but more stable, with shade, toilets and room to move. They suit families, older travellers and anyone who gets seasick. For Phi Phi and the Similans, speedboats are standard; for Phang Nga Bay, a big boat works very well.

Practical tips

• Check the season. From May to October, boat trips on the Andaman Sea can be cancelled because of waves. Plan a flexible day.
• National park fees apply at Phi Phi, Phang Nga and the Similans and are often paid separately in cash. Check whether your trip includes them.
• Bring reef-safe sun cream, a dry bag for your phone and a light long-sleeved top against the sun.
• Bring your passport or a copy if the operator asks for it; some national parks register visitors.
• Do not touch or stand on coral, and do not feed fish or monkeys.

FAQ

What is the best excursion from Phuket?

For most first-time visitors, the Phi Phi islands with Maya Bay. If you prefer calm water and dramatic scenery, Phang Nga Bay. For snorkelling, the Similan Islands in season.

Can you swim in Maya Bay?

No. Swimming in Maya Bay has not been allowed since it reopened. You can walk on the beach and see the bay, and swim at other stops such as Bamboo Island.

When are the Similan Islands open?

Usually from mid-October to mid-May. The park closes for the rest of the year during the southwest monsoon. Exact dates are set each year by the national park authority.

Is the Phang Nga Bay trip suitable for children?

Yes. The bay is sheltered and calm, the canoes are paddled by guides, and a big boat gives shade and space. It is one of the most family-friendly excursions from Phuket.

How many boat excursions should I do in a week?

Two is enough for most people, three for keen snorkellers. Keep a rest day between long boat trips, and a spare day in case one is cancelled because of the sea.